Bluegrass is the presumed genre of music every year at the annual Heritage Festival held at Mauch Chunk Lake Park. This year, there was an atypical inclusion into one of the acts.

This was the 18th annual Heritage Festival that featured 11 hours of musical entertainment on Saturday. Hundreds of people attended throughout the day, with sunny, warm weather contributing to the success of the event.

Although the bands ranged from duos to groups with six or seven members, the most unique presentation occurred when the duo of Michael and Quinn (Michael Johnson and Quinten Fish) performed.

Joining them onstage for several selections was Claire McGeehan, a harp player from Paris, France. Claire first played a solo, the joined the band along with her father-in-law Pat McGeehan for some songs with the band. Claire is the wife of Pat’s son, Shane McGeehan, a native of Summit Hill and who is visiting family members with his wife and 14-month-old daughter Solenn.

Dave Horvath, park director and coordinator of the festival, said the event serves as the season finale for the park after another successful summer.

It’s one of several special events at the park. “We had the powwow two weeks ago which was well attended,” he said. “There are still some things you can do here. The camping season runs to the end of October.”

He said hiking trails are open. The beach and picnic area is available although the swimming area is closed. “People can sit on the beach and enjoy the view,” he said, adding, “It is picturesque for fall foliage.”

At the festival there were food vendors, crafters and nonprofit organizations.

Towamensing Boy Scout Troop 209 has been present for the annual Heritage Festival since the event’s inception. The Scouts offered peach cobbler and ice cream and had brisk patronage.

The Carbon County Veterans Council offered cookies at their stand.

Visitors could purchase honey, handmade guitars or tie-dyed sun dresses.

Representatives of Mauch Chunk Lake Park handed out literature about the park and greeted the visitors.

Many of the festival attendees brought their pet dogs with them, with the animals seemingly taking in the relaxing atmosphere much like their humans.

Terry Blanchard of Penn Forest Township said this was his first time at the Heritage Festival. “I heard about it and thought I would check it out,” he said. “It’s really nice. The people of this area are fortunate to have such a beautiful place for swimming, camping and even music. I’m enjoying it.”

The final act was the local band Free Range Folk, utilizing old-time instruments such as the wash board.